Slate Roofing

The use of slate roofing is very popular across the UK both for its cost effectiveness and appealing aesthetic.

Despite slate being a great deal more expensive than some other roofing materials, it can be the more cost effective option simply because a slate roof can last well over 75 years. Indeed slate is often referrerd to as a forever roof as once installed homeowners shouldn’t have to worry about their slate roof, bar any minor repairs, whereas other roofing types may need to be replaced completely, two or three times during your lifetime.

There are three types of slate available:

  • Natural Slate: Sourced naturally it offers a stunning, authentic finish. Ideal for older, period buildings, or properties that need to reflect the natural environment around them.
  • Fibre Cement Slate: Made primarily from cement it offers another versatile and cost effective option. And because it’s lighter than natural slate, it can be used on steeper pitches and roofs that have a more complex design such as valleys or intersections.
  • Man-Made Slate: Made up from reconstituted slate, it offers an even lower cost alternative to natural slate.

Installation

A well installed slate roof can last a lifetime, but a poorly installed roof can lead to major problems. Slate is quite tricky to install, so it’s imperative you employ a contractor who has experience of this roofing material.

And because a slate roof can weigh up to 4 times the weight of your average asphalt roof, it’s important to have your home’s structure evaluated prior to installing a slate roof.

Maintenance

Whilst slate offers a durable roofing solution, the tiles themselves  are fragile and can chip, crack and break with minimal force, so falling tree branches, hail or other impacts could make tile replacement necessary.

If you notice a cracked or broken slate, or indeed if strong winds have worked tiles lose or worse still blown them off the roof, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible to keep your home warm and dry.

Make the right choice

At Group Tegula we have many years of experience working with slate.

We can guide you through the selection process, We can design and build your new roof or indeed carry out alterations to an existing one.

And if there’s a problem, our team of experienced roofers can replace broken tiles quickly and efficiently, maintaining the integrity of your roof.

If you have any questions or would like to know more,  please give us a call on 0191 519 1133 or email us on enquiries@grouptegula.co.uk

The benefits of slate roofing:

  • Appearance: Many homeowners are drawn to slate because of its beauty and distinctive texture, a new slate roof can add real value to your property.
  • Durability: Some slate roofs can last upwards of 150 years, which is huge compared to a Concrete Tiled roof, which can typically last  20 – 30 years before you start having issues.
  • Fire Resistant: One of the most Fire Resistant Materials.
  • Environmentally Friendly: As a naturally occurring product there are no harmful by-products care of the manufacturing process.
  • Low Maintenance: We recommend all Roofs are checked once a year, however a good slate roof will require minimum Maintenance.

The drawbacks of slate roofing:

  • It’s expensive: A slate roof can cost over 5 times that of your average asphalt roof.
  • It’s heavy: A slate roof can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1500 per square metre, that’s around 4 times the weight of your average asphalt roof, so it’s important to have your home’s structure evaluated prior to installing a slate roof.
  • It’s fragile: Slate roofing tiles chip, crack and break with minimal force, so falling tree branches, hail or other impacts could make tile replacement necessary.
  • It’s tricky to install: Get it right and a slate roof can last a lifetime, but a poorly installed roof can lead to major problems, so it’s imperative you employ a contractor who has experience working with slate.